Estella Adams

Estella Searing Adams, 68, died at 9:45 a.m. May 29, 2008, at her residence. She was born April 26, 1940, in Jacksonville, Florida, to Glen G. and Mary Frances Gillison Searing, who preceded her in death. On September 1, 1963, in Clarksville, Gerogia, she married David S. Adams, who survives in Lima, Ohio. Mrs. Adams retired in 1995 from the Northwest Cerebral Palsy Clinic, now known as the Children's Developmental Center, after 28 years. She had also worked for an adoption agency in Jacksonville, Fla., and the Franklin County Welfare Department and the Cerebral Palsy Center, both in Columbus. She was a member of Christ Church Episcopal. She served on the boards of the Equestrian Therapy Program, the League of Women Voters of the Lima Area, the United Way of Greater Lima and the United Way of Ohio. She served as president of Riverside North Neighborhood Association and the LACNIP board. She received the United Way Golden Rule Award and the Jefferson Award for public service. She and her husband had served as grand marshal of the Labor Day Parade, and co-chaired the 1997 United Way Campaign. She received the Soroptomist Award, and she and her husband were the LaSertoma Couple of the Year. She had been a Democratic poll worker, a neighborhood volunteer in Riverside North and was active for 10 years with the Riverside North Neighborhood Association Block Patrol. She was a member of the Sertoma Club. She was a 1958 graduate of Robert E. Lee High School, Jacksonville, Fla., and a 1962 graduate of Piedmont College, Demorest, Ga. Survivors also include a sister, Hilda (Bobby) Jackson, of Keystone Heights, Florida; a brother-in-law, Roy Unkefer, of Atlanta; three nieces and nephews; and three great-nephews and a great-niece. She was preceded in death by a sister, Eleanor Unkefer. Services will begin at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at St. Luke Lutheran Church. Pastor Lars Olson will officiate. Friends may call from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday at Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the United Way of Greater Lima Endowment or the charity of the donor's choice. Condolences may be expressed at www.chamberlainhuckeriede.com.